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Didn’t Know That Was In There
Dave · February 18, 2009 at 6:16 pm · Filed Under Mariners
But when I heard that Griffey was coming back to Seattle, I smiled.
Welcome back, Junior.
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121 Responses to “Didn’t Know That Was In There”
jordan on
February 18th, 2009 6:22 pm
I found out I truely wanted him back when the leak that he signed with the Braves came out, and I found a little anger/disappointment in me. Since then, I have been all for him coming back. GO JUNIOR!!!
shock66 on
February 18th, 2009 6:22 pm
I have to admit at first I was just happy it wasn’t Garret Anderson or Jim Edmonds but there is something about bringing back the kid that makes me smile.
Marinerfan4life on
February 18th, 2009 6:23 pm
I’m soooo glad he made the right decision! Welcome back Junior!
TomTuttle on
February 18th, 2009 6:25 pm
YAY!!!!!!!!!!
THERE IS GOOD NEWS TODAY!!!!!
Pete on
February 18th, 2009 6:25 pm
Congrats Dave! Glad to hear it. Maybe you aren’t a fanboy like many of us, but you should get out here for the Opening Day party.
Felix and Junior together at last. My head is going to pop off.
SonOfZavaras on
February 18th, 2009 6:25 pm
Welcome back, Junior.
Bye-bye, Bryan LaHair.
(I’m guessing on that one.)
nickwest1976 on
February 18th, 2009 6:27 pm
I got kind of emotional, much more so than I thought after this circus. So many great memories of watching Griff growing up and getting to see him in a Mariner jersey again will be great!
I discovered last Thursday that despite plenty of perfectly rational reasons to not want Griffey back in Seattle, I wanted him back.
Griffey supersedes reason.
mariners23 on
February 18th, 2009 6:28 pm
On this night, one of the first things you thought of was Bryan LaHair?
ThundaPC on
February 18th, 2009 6:30 pm
My exact reaction was “Aww crap..(oh snap, this is pretty cool!)”
TheMsfan on
February 18th, 2009 6:31 pm
And TheMsfan and Dave’s heart grew three sizes that day, haha, anybody got a cowbell I can borrow???
bakomariner on
February 18th, 2009 6:31 pm
Ear to ear grin for me Dave…the kid in all of us wanted him back…and I’m glad he is…
rrose on
February 18th, 2009 6:32 pm
Swung on and belted…
myohmy41 on
February 18th, 2009 6:32 pm
Welcome back Junior. Young kids now get a chance to watch the greatest Seattle sports icon. Win, lose, 80 wins or 50 wins…WELCOME BACK!
CougJustin on
February 18th, 2009 6:32 pm
I am very excited. When do single game tickets go on sale?
Mike Honcho on
February 18th, 2009 6:35 pm
So we hope for about 400 ABs from Junior as a DH.
If Clement wants to see significant PT, it’ll have to be as a catcher (which I’m sure was the plan to start with, anyway), so long as Junior stays healthy.
My reaction is still pretty much a shrug, but I’m happy for those of you who are happy.
JerBear on
February 18th, 2009 6:36 pm
Griffey supersedes reason.
So true.
I’ve been intellectually against signing Griffey for a long time. But when news originally broke that he was coming, I was happy. Then when news broke he was going to Atlanta, I was sad.
I’m happy again.
Pilots fan on
February 18th, 2009 6:38 pm
LOL, this thing over the last few days has been all Griffey with the back and forth, said it, no I didn’t, why did you say that about me?, etc. etc. Just like old times — I love that guy!
Ken Griffey Jr. is the main reason I am a huge Mariners/baseball fan. I am stupid happy about him coming back.
Welcome back Junior!!!
beck21 on
February 18th, 2009 6:44 pm
I didn’t realize exactly how excited I was either until I heard it was official. Imagining pointing out #24 to my nephews in Safeco brought a tear to my eye.
joealb on
February 18th, 2009 6:45 pm
Dave, you are the MAN! You get it. Most of us know that this doesn’t make the M’s better on the field but it makes us long time fans happy as pig in $h%t to get a chance to honor the kid we love! I want to give a HUGE thanks to Melissa Griffey. THANK YOU MELISSA!
msb on
February 18th, 2009 6:46 pm
[Niehaus] last week in the PI:
“If they sign him — and I have an ambivalent feeling; I’m glad I don’t have to make the decision — he gives us our identity back. He gives us our face back. He’s someone to be proud of. Even though it’s not the guy we knew 10 or 11 years ago, it’s still Ken Griffey Jr.”
“He can be persnickety, a pain in the ass, delightful and lovable. That’s what you get with Ken Griffey Jr. But what he is is a Hall of Famer.”
bakomariner on
February 18th, 2009 6:52 pm
My girlfriend is making fun of me cause I’m sitting at my lap-top smiling like the Chesire Cat…
It’s okay though…I didn’t think I’d be this happy, but I am…
Feels like the 90’s again…
This is awesome…
Going to spring training for the Ms/Cubs game in a month…just makes the trip that much better…
Coolalvin206 on
February 18th, 2009 6:56 pm
Welcome back welcome back welcome baaaack!
What is the over/under on how long the standing ovation will be on his first plate appearance at Safeco?
You Gotta Luv These Guys on
February 18th, 2009 6:56 pm
I knew you guys were dying to get him back when you posted 20 spurned-lover posts per day about Griffey possibly signing.
WAHOO!
SpokaneDan on
February 18th, 2009 6:56 pm
I got goosebumps and a tear in my eye when I heard the news. Welcome back!
emonger33 on
February 18th, 2009 6:57 pm
Let’s see some opening day lineup projections:
facing RHP
Ichiro
Chavez
Beltre
Griffey Jr.
Branyan
Clement
Lopez
Gutierrez
Betancourt
SeasonTix on
February 18th, 2009 7:01 pm
Wow …
Just listening to KJR …
WILLIE MAYS called Griffey to talk him into coming to Seattle!
Well I guess I can finally wear the #24 jersey I bought after the ‘99 season. Thanks, M’s!
ScottBrowne on
February 18th, 2009 7:07 pm
I got a huge grin on my face when I heard it was official. I realize he doesn’t necessarily help the team, but it will be nice to see Junior back in Seattle as a Mariner one last time.
jordan on
February 18th, 2009 7:08 pm
Anyone know where to find the tribute video from his return?
I think he’s pretty safe unless someone puts steak sauce on his jersey.
jordan on
February 18th, 2009 7:25 pm
[long link]
scubascuba81 on
February 18th, 2009 7:27 pm
I’m still a little sceptical… but if mariners.com reports it, I guess I’ll believe it
Axtell on
February 18th, 2009 7:28 pm
I’m rather torn by the news.
On one hand, I’m happy to see him coming back. On the other hand, I’m afraid he’s going to come back and ruin all the great memories I have by being the older, slower player I’ve seen the last couple of years, and, at the same time, eating up a roster spot from a guy who could do roughly the same job at the plate for a lot less money.
Either way, the deal is signed. Welcome back, Junior.
HamNasty on
February 18th, 2009 7:31 pm
He is the sole reason I started to become a Mariners fan as a 6 year old kid from Colorado so its glad to see him back. Just hope he has a good farewell tour.
Omerta on
February 18th, 2009 7:34 pm
Sometimes during this whole long ordeal it felt as if winning and nostalgia had to be mutually exclusive…they’re not, and I hope that both the Griffey and non-Griffey fans find something special to enjoy about the Mariners this season.
Welcome back, “Kid.”
You Gotta Luv These Guys on
February 18th, 2009 7:37 pm
So, can we get A-Rod back now too?
fiftyone on
February 18th, 2009 7:40 pm
I think the non-stats-oriented fan has a reason to buy tickets now, which means a lot for 2010. Instead of a 20% decrease in attendance, we’re looking at holding steady, at least, from 2008 numbers, and that makes me awfully excited for next winter’s moves. (As long as this process does NOT repeat itself.) And as a side benefit, my 6-year-old gets to tell his kids someday about the time he and gramps saw Junior play.
Griffey is my all-time favorite player tied with Mike Schmidt, and now finally my 8 yr old son can see him in a Mariners Uniform too. A Great Day, A Great Decision by an all-time Great Player! This might only be a short bridge from our past to our future as a team, but It is a good day to be an M’s fan!
diderot on
February 18th, 2009 8:15 pm
I, too, will be watching intently as he skips up the dugout to be introduced on opening day…and hope the prick trips on the top step and bites off his lying tongue in the process.
What happened to his precious family?
I guess even Z has to strike out now and then.
Dave in Palo Alto on
February 18th, 2009 8:15 pm
Nicest thing about it is that maybe, just maybe, Junior will wear the Compass Rose on his HOF plaque.
msb on
February 18th, 2009 8:17 pm
I, too, will be watching intently as he skips up the dugout to be introduced on opening day…and hope the prick trips on the top step and bites off his lying tongue in the process
so what lies were these?
diderot on
February 18th, 2009 8:22 pm
so what lies were these?
You’re serious?
spliffbowl on
February 18th, 2009 8:23 pm
Nicest thing about it is that maybe, just maybe, Junior will wear the Compass Rose on his HOF plaque.
Was there ever any doubt Griffey was going into the Hall as a Mariner? I can’t imagine for one second the Hall would have him wear a Reds hat.
Philly M's fan on
February 18th, 2009 8:23 pm
I thought the HOF picks the team for the player now? They decide on where you had the best years and biggest impact–there is no way they pick the reds for Griffey right? He has played longer in Seattle than anywhere, and has by far his best stats as a player as a Mariner.
bookbook on
February 18th, 2009 8:28 pm
Awesome. Let’s trade for Randy
droppedrod on
February 18th, 2009 8:32 pm
Best thing about the Griffey trade so far? FSN is showing classic Griffey games tonight. Currently showing M’s at Toronto with Clemens on the mound in ‘97. Simply awesome.
I don’t know how many other people here are into anime, but there’s a character type common in anime known as the tsundere. The basic idea is that the character is so in denial / afraid of their own true (usually romantic) feelings that they’ll intentionally sabotage a relationship by appearing to hate the object of their affection. Inevitably the tsundere will come to his/her senses, usually in an overwhelming gush of emotion.
An example:
“Griffey doesn’t make sense for us this season.”
“Getting him would be punting our future!”
“He’s old and can’t even play defense anymore!”
“H-he’s going to sign here maybe?! B-but he can’t! I’d prefer someone else!”
“He might go to the BRAVES instead?! That jerk, I hate him!”
“Wa… wait… Griffey… I… I didn’t mean to be so mean like that! I… oh why can’t I be honest with myself!”
“Griffey’s back with us?! I LOVE YOU GRIFFEY!”
Yep… the blogosphere is tsundere for Junior.
themedia on
February 18th, 2009 8:43 pm
I just thought about this:
How does Ichiro react to no longer being the crowd’s favorite Mariner?
droppedrod on
February 18th, 2009 8:44 pm
Maybe awesome was a bit strong in describing a 1997 M’s game. One tends to forget just how awful pre-Safeco pitching was.
msb on
February 18th, 2009 8:44 pm
oh, man, D. Martinez, having trouble throwing strikes.
xxtinynickxx on
February 18th, 2009 8:45 pm
Ive decided to break out my torn MC Hammer parachute pants, put on my torn Pearl Jam European world tour t-shirt and play my scratched Mudhoney records to get in the mood. Now all that is needed for this summer is to have Pain in the Grass happen at Seattle Center again and have a true 90’s fun summer in Seattle! **PLEASE LET ZEKE AND THE SUPERSUCKERS PLAY TOGETHER AT PAIN IN THE GRASS**!
diderot on
February 18th, 2009 8:50 pm
How does Ichiro react to no longer being the crowd’s favorite Mariner?
Better question: how does Griffey respond to playing on a Mariners team with someone (Ichiro) exponentially better than he is?
You want to see a divided clubhouse…just wait…
msb on
February 18th, 2009 8:54 pm
I just thought about this: How does Ichiro react to no longer being the crowd’s favorite Mariner?
well, Griffey was Ichiro’s favorite player, and he said when he arrived here how sad he was to not get to play with him …
msb on
February 18th, 2009 8:59 pm
is that Brent Gates?
Mr. G on
February 18th, 2009 9:02 pm
And hopefully we also welcome back Naughty By Nature when he steps up to the plate.
Axtell on
February 18th, 2009 9:06 pm
haha I just was watching on ESPN’s website a video interviewing the effect on Griffey coming in, and the ESPN dope said that Griffey would have been a better fit in Atlanta because he could have played LF. LOL
Better saying that Atlanta is going to be more of a contender than Seattle will – haha. Atlanta will struggle to even be .500. They have NO bats.
Good stuff ESPN. When you set the bar impossibly low, you figure out a way to go even lower.
huckleB on
February 18th, 2009 9:13 pm
I wish I could say the same. This signing only makes me depressed after a winter of positive signs. I now know that Zduriencik will not be allowed to take this team to the point where it could go all the way. It’s the same old Mariners routine. Ugh. Enjoy a few winning seasons, with no chance to go anywhere if the team even makes the playoffs. Pfft.
huckleB on
February 18th, 2009 9:14 pm
Axtell, And the M’s have bats?
Thievery on
February 18th, 2009 9:15 pm
I just scribbled out on a scratch pad potential M’s lineups vs. LHP and RHP for the first time in…years…
huckleB on
February 18th, 2009 9:15 pm
msb: “Was” is the key word. Ichiro will still be the favorite on weeknights, I suspect.
huckleB on
February 18th, 2009 9:17 pm
diderot: Why would the clubhouse be divided? It’s not like there are ANY M’s left from the Griffey era.
huckleB on
February 18th, 2009 9:20 pm
xxtinynickxx: ROTFLMAO! Awesome.
I was going to mention Shawn Kemp, but…
Jake N. on
February 18th, 2009 9:21 pm
I am [ecstatic], [yeah] I [hear] all the critics and optimists. Will he spend time on the DL[?] [Yeah]! But that first [homer] will be so good. Welcome back[,] Kid… How long [until] Junior takes a bet from Bone on that first plate [appearance]? Will it be steak or rack of lamb? I for one will be buying tickets once again…
gwangung on
February 18th, 2009 9:36 pm
I wish I could say the same. This signing only makes me depressed after a winter of positive signs. I now know that Zduriencik will not be allowed to take this team to the point where it could go all the way. It’s the same old Mariners routine.
Now that’s just being silly.
What was the need? LH DH.
What’s Jr. going to be? LH DH.
And he’s a) about the best out there, and b) signing for around the price he would have been signed for if his name wasn’t named for (base price).
gwangung on
February 18th, 2009 9:38 pm
diderot: Why would the clubhouse be divided? It’s not like there are ANY M’s left from the Griffey era.
Just as likely Jr. would treat Ichiro as Buhner did…giving him good natured crap. And Ichiro would be fine with that, because a) it’s coming from a peer, and b) it’s coming from Jr.
huckleB on
February 18th, 2009 9:53 pm
gwangung: I think they’ll all be fine, unless Griffey produces nothing and the club keeps him on board anyway.
huckleB on
February 18th, 2009 9:54 pm
gwangung: Sorry, that was not a huge need. The need is to develop players for a future run. No one can argue that this helps the long run.
msb on
February 18th, 2009 9:56 pm
and some, like Larry Stone, think that it would be good for Ichiro, who still misses Cameron and Buhner and Boone and all their crap.
mariners2009 on
February 18th, 2009 9:57 pm
I don’t comment much, but the interesting thing in the contract to me is the incentives. 2 million guaranteed, 4 million in incentives. the incentives are based on AB’s, pretty normal, but also on attendance. There are two ways to bring people in…
1. Star Players (it will wear off in a few weeks.)
2. Winning teams.
Does this contract force Griffey to be a leader and help the team win? Other than work ethic, I guess he will be a good guy to have in the clubhouse. It just seems like a wierd concept. Has any other player ever had a contract involving attendance?
IHaveALittleProject on
February 18th, 2009 9:59 pm
I was very angry at the guy for a long time after the Reds trade antics, but I found myself inexplicably glued to the TV when he came back to Safeco last year, so apparently I’ve forgiven the guy.
Then, all the rumors started this offseason, and I was sure it was a bad move for the team to sign this version of Griffey. I’m a stat nerd, and excessively analytical even for an engineer.
I was wrong again. I’m very glad to see him back, and emonger33 posting that lineup with Griffey back in it made me smile.
msb on
February 18th, 2009 10:14 pm
I was trying to remember– was it twice that Jr joined the long line of left-fielders in the Dome?
F-Rod on
February 18th, 2009 10:15 pm
Really, relly fired up. I will be watching a lot more games on the dish this year with this return. So many happy memories and I know there will be at the very least, some great moments this year.
The Dreeze on
February 18th, 2009 10:17 pm
Now batting, NUMBER 24…. Hip Hop Hoo-ray, Ho, Hey Ho. Hip Hop Hoo-ray, Ho Hey, Ho!
You can’t see me, but I’m definately doing the back and forth thing with my arms.
rsrobinson on
February 18th, 2009 10:26 pm
Intellectually I understood the reasons why signing Griffey wasn’t necessarily a good thing, but emotionally I’ve been wanting it to happen for a long time now. Many of my favorite sports memories are of watching Junior play in the Kingdome and I had to choke back the tears a couple of times when he returned to Safeco with the Reds. I don’t care that he’s not the player he was, I just want to see him in a Mariners uniform again before he retires.
This is a good day.
rmac1973 on
February 18th, 2009 10:27 pm
Sorrento is on third and Wilson just took a HBP… Clemens now facing Lee Tinsley… damn I missed Junior.
Much more than I have ever wanted to admit, even to myself, I have missed Seattle’s sports icon.
My wife is sleeping in my lap, I’m watching an old M’s game from 1997 (@ Toronto, Junior with three dingers), typing here, watching the Griffey “welcome” at the Safe last year, reading articles and op/eds… and I’m actually tearing up a little bit.
It’s not like he’s “The Natural” from ten years ago, gracing the cover of SI, and I know this much. But, this is a man that belonged to this city as much as the city belonged to him. This is not a +wins move. Griffey likely won’t be a 30-HR threat. But… just imagine if he has the kind of season Frank Thomas threw up a couple seasons ago.
Welcome back, J-R… this city has missed you, and this game has needed you in Seattle.
maxwell on
February 18th, 2009 10:37 pm
Can you imagine if we win the World Series this year? Felix wins a Cy Young. Bedard is healthy. Junior pulls a Frank Thomas. I can dream, right?
mariners2009 on
February 18th, 2009 10:39 pm
Can you imagine if we win the World Series this year? Felix wins a Cy Young. Bedard is healthy. Junior pulls a Frank Thomas. I can dream, right?
Can you just imagine if Griffey goes yard on opening day? [Safeco] could be in danger of being torn apart!
mariners2009 on
February 18th, 2009 10:47 pm
I just watched the [video] on the [Mariners'] web site. Good God he was a monster. It’s been so long, but [holy] cow. Monster.
Marinerfan4life on
February 18th, 2009 10:48 pm
I am happy that Junior will be the first Legit DH the Mariners have had since Edgar.
rsrobinson on
February 18th, 2009 10:51 pm
The Mariners will probably make back their money on Junior’s contract just by the sale of his jerseys alone. You know they’re going to fly out the door.
My job is forcing me to move from Seattle to Dallas at the end of the month and I know I’ll be showing up at Rangers Stadium wearing #24 when the M’s are in town.
gwangung on
February 18th, 2009 10:51 pm
. The need is to develop players for a future run.
Well, yeah…..except there’s nobody ready to BE a DH–they’re either here already or two to three years away. And the ones here already are entangled in positions other than DH.
Minor acquisition for a minor need that will still be helpful. Since he’s not blocking anyone, it’s still an acceptable baseball decision.
diderot on
February 18th, 2009 10:54 pm
Why would the clubhouse be divided? It’s not like there are ANY M’s left from the Griffey era.
Three quick reasons:
1) He’s going to be taking ABs away from more worthy teammates
2) He’s the same ‘team leader’ who bitched to the media, ‘where’s my pitching?’ before ditching us before; you know the pitching staff had to admire him for that
3) In a clubhouse which reportedly cares a lot about ‘playing the game right’, teammates will now be witness to the guy who grabbed his crotch to show up Sparky Anderson after hitting a home run (because Anderson had the gall to intentionally walk him in the previous at bat), and after homer #607, gave the ’slit the throat’ gesture up to his own team’s color announcer for having the indecency to point out the obvious–that Griffey and Dunn were bad corner outfielders.
You know he’s going to love this site.
The Dreeze on
February 18th, 2009 10:57 pm
I don’t know if the Mariners winning the World Series could ever measure up to Griffey going yard on opening day. Especially first at bat.
PS… Where WAS his piching. They stank, seriously.
The Dreeze on
February 18th, 2009 11:06 pm
Woops, I take back that last pitching comment… Frankie Rodriguez just gave me a black eye.
lokiforever on
February 18th, 2009 11:24 pm
For those of you wrestling with the merits of the signing versus sentimental attachment, consider this:
Last Year, Jose Vidro was worth -1.3 wins for $8.5MM
Kazinski on
February 18th, 2009 11:34 pm
I think I maybe in a position to explain this to you guys.
I grew up a Giants fan, and McCovey’s home coming at the end of his career, after only being gone 3 years was so right and so sweet for the Giants. He had a somewhat of a revival his first year back in an overachieving young club, and faded after that, but it was where he belonged. Especially after Mays ended his career with the Mets. We knew that was wrong.
jguier on
February 18th, 2009 11:51 pm
I was ready to write a “thanks for rear-ending the fans in Seattle one last time” post–but it seems like our luck really is beginning to change. Hopefully this is at the very least, yet another sign that the future of Seattle baseball is promising (Go Z!). He is not the Jr. of old–but he is the face of the franchise, and it will be nice to see him help restore some pride in the Mariner franchise (especially with some of the younger players). From that standpoint, Jr. will be a nice addition to the team this year.
Welcome back.
huckleB on
February 19th, 2009 12:02 am
gwangung: Nobody’s ready to DH? LOL! You’re really going to try to argue that?
huckleB on
February 19th, 2009 12:03 am
diderot: If he pulls that stuff and isn’t pushed down, then we’ll know there is no hope for the M’s under current ownership.
huckleB on
February 19th, 2009 12:05 am
The Dreeze: You just showed the problem with Seattle baseball fans and the Mariners in one post.
Last season, for the first time since ‘77, I did not attend an M’s game. This year I can’t wait to come down from Canada and bring my 3 yr old and 5 yr old to the park so they can say they saw Ichiro, Felix, and the Kid.
DaveValleDrinkNight on
February 19th, 2009 1:02 am
Soooo, when do we cue up the Carmina Burana theme?
TumwaterMike on
February 19th, 2009 1:12 am
Two thoughts: If this is truly his last year and he can stay healthy, why not have him play CF for 1 inning his last game at Safeco (like Dan Wilson at catcher). They crowd would go wild. If its not and he hits say .280, 25 hrs and 80-100 rbi’s, would he be worth bringing back.
The one problem is now Opening Day tickets will sell out.
rsrobinson on
February 19th, 2009 6:38 am
1) He’s going to be taking ABs away from more worthy teammates
Like who? Bryan LaHair? Is there an abundance of LH power on the team that I’m missing? Clement might lose some ABs as a DH but hopefully he’s ready to be our starting catcher this year.
The circumstances are right for Junior this year. He’s relatively cheap and the M’s have a lack of LH power and no obvious DH.
monty1077 on
February 19th, 2009 7:05 am
Like the rest of us on here I am happy beyond belief now that Jr. is back were he belongs. I just hope that he doesn’t end up like Mays did for the ‘73 Mets.
After all the sadness during the past 18 months in the Seattle sports scene at least for the next few weeks we can all party like its 1995
jamesllegade on
February 19th, 2009 7:13 am
Buddy of mine at work and I just agreed… if they sign him we blow off work and go to one of the opening home stand games.
He hasn’t been to a game in 10 years. I used to go to 5 or 6 a year but never more than 2 in these last couple of depressing years.
I plan on getting a 10 game pack now… and he will probably go to at least 5.
I think there are probably 10’s of thousands of similar people having that same conversation today.
daddydrizz on
February 19th, 2009 7:23 am
Three quick reasons:
1) He’s going to be taking ABs away from more worthy teammates
Like who? Balentien? Clement? Some other uberprospect who is overmatched at the MLB level?
2) He’s the same ‘team leader’ who bitched to the media, ‘where’s my pitching?’ before ditching us before; you know the pitching staff had to admire him for that
He was right. He and Nelly begged for pitching. No doubt they took their gripes public when their begging fell on deaf ears.
3) In a clubhouse which reportedly cares a lot about ‘playing the game right’, teammates will now be witness to the guy who grabbed his crotch to show up Sparky Anderson after hitting a home run (because Anderson had the gall to intentionally walk him in the previous at bat), and after homer #607, gave the ’slit the throat’ gesture up to his own team’s color announcer for having the indecency to point out the obvious–that Griffey and Dunn were bad corner outfielders.
And this has to do with the clubhouse…How?
You can’t rain on our parade. It is a good, happy day to be a Mariner fan. Finally, after so many miserable seasons and mistakes, I have found some joy in this team.
gwangung on
February 19th, 2009 7:36 am
gwangung: Nobody’s ready to DH? LOL! You’re really going to try to argue that?
Um, yeah.
Your turn. You made the claim. Y’all better support it….
Griffey the breakfast cereal! Griffey the flamethrower!
JerBear on
February 19th, 2009 8:35 am
FWIW, from the Mariner’s press release
“This is the one player, at the end of the day, that we thought we needed to bring home,” Zduriencik said. “Chuck’s relationship with Ken was fantastic, but at no time were we pressured by either Chuck or Howard [CEO Howard Lincoln] to do this.”
huckleB on
February 19th, 2009 10:20 pm
gwangung: Uh, hello? I made the claim? Try again. Look at Griffey’s numbers against what the M’s could put at DH. Sorry, but you made a claim, and you’ve shown no evidence. Turning it around, doesn’t wash.
huckleB on
February 20th, 2009 6:43 am
Looks like Zduriencik has been assimilated. That’s not good news.
I found out I truely wanted him back when the leak that he signed with the Braves came out, and I found a little anger/disappointment in me. Since then, I have been all for him coming back. GO JUNIOR!!!
I have to admit at first I was just happy it wasn’t Garret Anderson or Jim Edmonds but there is something about bringing back the kid that makes me smile.
I’m soooo glad he made the right decision! Welcome back Junior!
YAY!!!!!!!!!!
THERE IS GOOD NEWS TODAY!!!!!
Congrats Dave! Glad to hear it. Maybe you aren’t a fanboy like many of us, but you should get out here for the Opening Day party.
Felix and Junior together at last. My head is going to pop off.
Welcome back, Junior.
Bye-bye, Bryan LaHair.
(I’m guessing on that one.)
I got kind of emotional, much more so than I thought after this circus. So many great memories of watching Griff growing up and getting to see him in a Mariner jersey again will be great!
I discovered last Thursday that despite plenty of perfectly rational reasons to not want Griffey back in Seattle, I wanted him back.
Griffey supersedes reason.
On this night, one of the first things you thought of was Bryan LaHair?
My exact reaction was “Aww crap..(oh snap, this is pretty cool!)”
And TheMsfan and Dave’s heart grew three sizes that day, haha, anybody got a cowbell I can borrow???
Ear to ear grin for me Dave…the kid in all of us wanted him back…and I’m glad he is…
Swung on and belted…
Welcome back Junior. Young kids now get a chance to watch the greatest Seattle sports icon. Win, lose, 80 wins or 50 wins…WELCOME BACK!
I am very excited. When do single game tickets go on sale?
So we hope for about 400 ABs from Junior as a DH.
If Clement wants to see significant PT, it’ll have to be as a catcher (which I’m sure was the plan to start with, anyway), so long as Junior stays healthy.
My reaction is still pretty much a shrug, but I’m happy for those of you who are happy.
So true.
I’ve been intellectually against signing Griffey for a long time. But when news originally broke that he was coming, I was happy. Then when news broke he was going to Atlanta, I was sad.
I’m happy again.
LOL, this thing over the last few days has been all Griffey with the back and forth, said it, no I didn’t, why did you say that about me?, etc. etc. Just like old times — I love that guy!
Odds on rehashing #24?
Go Mariners!
Ken Griffey Jr. is the main reason I am a huge Mariners/baseball fan. I am stupid happy about him coming back.
Welcome back Junior!!!
I didn’t realize exactly how excited I was either until I heard it was official. Imagining pointing out #24 to my nephews in Safeco brought a tear to my eye.
Dave, you are the MAN! You get it. Most of us know that this doesn’t make the M’s better on the field but it makes us long time fans happy as pig in $h%t to get a chance to honor the kid we love! I want to give a HUGE thanks to Melissa Griffey. THANK YOU MELISSA!
[Niehaus] last week in the PI:
“If they sign him — and I have an ambivalent feeling; I’m glad I don’t have to make the decision — he gives us our identity back. He gives us our face back. He’s someone to be proud of. Even though it’s not the guy we knew 10 or 11 years ago, it’s still Ken Griffey Jr.”
“He can be persnickety, a pain in the ass, delightful and lovable. That’s what you get with Ken Griffey Jr. But what he is is a Hall of Famer.”
My girlfriend is making fun of me cause I’m sitting at my lap-top smiling like the Chesire Cat…
It’s okay though…I didn’t think I’d be this happy, but I am…
Feels like the 90’s again…
This is awesome…
Going to spring training for the Ms/Cubs game in a month…just makes the trip that much better…
Welcome back welcome back welcome baaaack!
What is the over/under on how long the standing ovation will be on his first plate appearance at Safeco?
I knew you guys were dying to get him back when you posted 20 spurned-lover posts per day about Griffey possibly signing.
WAHOO!
I got goosebumps and a tear in my eye when I heard the news. Welcome back!
Let’s see some opening day lineup projections:
facing RHP
Ichiro
Chavez
Beltre
Griffey Jr.
Branyan
Clement
Lopez
Gutierrez
Betancourt
Wow …
Just listening to KJR …
WILLIE MAYS called Griffey to talk him into coming to Seattle!
No kidding … Chuck Armstrong hooked them up.
Well I guess I can finally wear the #24 jersey I bought after the ‘99 season. Thanks, M’s!
I got a huge grin on my face when I heard it was official. I realize he doesn’t necessarily help the team, but it will be nice to see Junior back in Seattle as a Mariner one last time.
Anyone know where to find the tribute video from his return?
How long until Silva stabs him in the back?
I think he’s pretty safe unless someone puts steak sauce on his jersey.
[long link]
I’m still a little sceptical… but if mariners.com reports it, I guess I’ll believe it
I’m rather torn by the news.
On one hand, I’m happy to see him coming back. On the other hand, I’m afraid he’s going to come back and ruin all the great memories I have by being the older, slower player I’ve seen the last couple of years, and, at the same time, eating up a roster spot from a guy who could do roughly the same job at the plate for a lot less money.
Either way, the deal is signed. Welcome back, Junior.
He is the sole reason I started to become a Mariners fan as a 6 year old kid from Colorado so its glad to see him back. Just hope he has a good farewell tour.
Sometimes during this whole long ordeal it felt as if winning and nostalgia had to be mutually exclusive…they’re not, and I hope that both the Griffey and non-Griffey fans find something special to enjoy about the Mariners this season.
Welcome back, “Kid.”
So, can we get A-Rod back now too?
I think the non-stats-oriented fan has a reason to buy tickets now, which means a lot for 2010. Instead of a 20% decrease in attendance, we’re looking at holding steady, at least, from 2008 numbers, and that makes me awfully excited for next winter’s moves. (As long as this process does NOT repeat itself.) And as a side benefit, my 6-year-old gets to tell his kids someday about the time he and gramps saw Junior play.
I know I shouldn’t care….
But Junior’s back!!!
I didn’t want it to happen, but now that it has, I can’t help but be happy. Welcome back, Junior.
I want to give a HUGE thanks to Melissa Griffey. THANK YOU MELISSA!
Good call.
Just watched the tribute video again…got almost as emotional as the first time…
God-damn I’m super-happy-excited…
How about a healthy Griff in the home-run derby?
hes the reason the Ms are still here, hes the reason for safeco field and hes the reason i love baseball. Long live JR
I hate irrational sports fans but have to admit that I am one in this case. WELCOME BACK GRIFFEY! WE LOVE YOU!
[GasBag mode]
You know, if Griffey and Mike Sweeney bounce back, and Silva puts it together, this team could go to the playoffs!
[/GasBag mode]
He brings out the best in everyone. Love it. Welcome back Junior
it’s been interesting to hear the parade of 40-somethings who are getting verklempt on the air at the thought of having him back.
Thanks for that link Jordan. Here it is again in short form: Ken Griffey Junior Tribute
Griffey is my all-time favorite player tied with Mike Schmidt, and now finally my 8 yr old son can see him in a Mariners Uniform too. A Great Day, A Great Decision by an all-time Great Player! This might only be a short bridge from our past to our future as a team, but It is a good day to be an M’s fan!
I, too, will be watching intently as he skips up the dugout to be introduced on opening day…and hope the prick trips on the top step and bites off his lying tongue in the process.
What happened to his precious family?
I guess even Z has to strike out now and then.
Nicest thing about it is that maybe, just maybe, Junior will wear the Compass Rose on his HOF plaque.
so what lies were these?
You’re serious?
Nicest thing about it is that maybe, just maybe, Junior will wear the Compass Rose on his HOF plaque.
Was there ever any doubt Griffey was going into the Hall as a Mariner? I can’t imagine for one second the Hall would have him wear a Reds hat.
I thought the HOF picks the team for the player now? They decide on where you had the best years and biggest impact–there is no way they pick the reds for Griffey right? He has played longer in Seattle than anywhere, and has by far his best stats as a player as a Mariner.
Awesome. Let’s trade for Randy
Best thing about the Griffey trade so far? FSN is showing classic Griffey games tonight. Currently showing M’s at Toronto with Clemens on the mound in ‘97. Simply awesome.
Meanwhile, back in Atlanta …
The Blame Game
I don’t know how many other people here are into anime, but there’s a character type common in anime known as the tsundere. The basic idea is that the character is so in denial / afraid of their own true (usually romantic) feelings that they’ll intentionally sabotage a relationship by appearing to hate the object of their affection. Inevitably the tsundere will come to his/her senses, usually in an overwhelming gush of emotion.
An example:
“Griffey doesn’t make sense for us this season.”
“Getting him would be punting our future!”
“He’s old and can’t even play defense anymore!”
“H-he’s going to sign here maybe?! B-but he can’t! I’d prefer someone else!”
“He might go to the BRAVES instead?! That jerk, I hate him!”
“Wa… wait… Griffey… I… I didn’t mean to be so mean like that! I… oh why can’t I be honest with myself!”
“Griffey’s back with us?! I LOVE YOU GRIFFEY!”
Yep… the blogosphere is tsundere for Junior.
I just thought about this:
How does Ichiro react to no longer being the crowd’s favorite Mariner?
Maybe awesome was a bit strong in describing a 1997 M’s game. One tends to forget just how awful pre-Safeco pitching was.
oh, man, D. Martinez, having trouble throwing strikes.
Ive decided to break out my torn MC Hammer parachute pants, put on my torn Pearl Jam European world tour t-shirt and play my scratched Mudhoney records to get in the mood. Now all that is needed for this summer is to have Pain in the Grass happen at Seattle Center again and have a true 90’s fun summer in Seattle! **PLEASE LET ZEKE AND THE SUPERSUCKERS PLAY TOGETHER AT PAIN IN THE GRASS**!
Better question: how does Griffey respond to playing on a Mariners team with someone (Ichiro) exponentially better than he is?
You want to see a divided clubhouse…just wait…
well, Griffey was Ichiro’s favorite player, and he said when he arrived here how sad he was to not get to play with him …
is that Brent Gates?
And hopefully we also welcome back Naughty By Nature when he steps up to the plate.
haha I just was watching on ESPN’s website a video interviewing the effect on Griffey coming in, and the ESPN dope said that Griffey would have been a better fit in Atlanta because he could have played LF. LOL
Better saying that Atlanta is going to be more of a contender than Seattle will – haha. Atlanta will struggle to even be .500. They have NO bats.
Good stuff ESPN. When you set the bar impossibly low, you figure out a way to go even lower.
I wish I could say the same. This signing only makes me depressed after a winter of positive signs. I now know that Zduriencik will not be allowed to take this team to the point where it could go all the way. It’s the same old Mariners routine. Ugh. Enjoy a few winning seasons, with no chance to go anywhere if the team even makes the playoffs. Pfft.
Axtell, And the M’s have bats?
I just scribbled out on a scratch pad potential M’s lineups vs. LHP and RHP for the first time in…years…
msb: “Was” is the key word. Ichiro will still be the favorite on weeknights, I suspect.
diderot: Why would the clubhouse be divided? It’s not like there are ANY M’s left from the Griffey era.
xxtinynickxx: ROTFLMAO! Awesome.
I was going to mention Shawn Kemp, but…
I am [ecstatic], [yeah] I [hear] all the critics and optimists. Will he spend time on the DL[?] [Yeah]! But that first [homer] will be so good. Welcome back[,] Kid… How long [until] Junior takes a bet from Bone on that first plate [appearance]? Will it be steak or rack of lamb? I for one will be buying tickets once again…
Now that’s just being silly.
What was the need? LH DH.
What’s Jr. going to be? LH DH.
And he’s a) about the best out there, and b) signing for around the price he would have been signed for if his name wasn’t named for (base price).
Just as likely Jr. would treat Ichiro as Buhner did…giving him good natured crap. And Ichiro would be fine with that, because a) it’s coming from a peer, and b) it’s coming from Jr.
gwangung: I think they’ll all be fine, unless Griffey produces nothing and the club keeps him on board anyway.
gwangung: Sorry, that was not a huge need. The need is to develop players for a future run. No one can argue that this helps the long run.
and some, like Larry Stone, think that it would be good for Ichiro, who still misses Cameron and Buhner and Boone and all their crap.
I don’t comment much, but the interesting thing in the contract to me is the incentives. 2 million guaranteed, 4 million in incentives. the incentives are based on AB’s, pretty normal, but also on attendance. There are two ways to bring people in…
1. Star Players (it will wear off in a few weeks.)
2. Winning teams.
Does this contract force Griffey to be a leader and help the team win? Other than work ethic, I guess he will be a good guy to have in the clubhouse. It just seems like a wierd concept. Has any other player ever had a contract involving attendance?
I was very angry at the guy for a long time after the Reds trade antics, but I found myself inexplicably glued to the TV when he came back to Safeco last year, so apparently I’ve forgiven the guy.
Then, all the rumors started this offseason, and I was sure it was a bad move for the team to sign this version of Griffey. I’m a stat nerd, and excessively analytical even for an engineer.
I was wrong again. I’m very glad to see him back, and emonger33 posting that lineup with Griffey back in it made me smile.
I was trying to remember– was it twice that Jr joined the long line of left-fielders in the Dome?
Really, relly fired up. I will be watching a lot more games on the dish this year with this return. So many happy memories and I know there will be at the very least, some great moments this year.
Now batting, NUMBER 24…. Hip Hop Hoo-ray, Ho, Hey Ho. Hip Hop Hoo-ray, Ho Hey, Ho!
You can’t see me, but I’m definately doing the back and forth thing with my arms.
Intellectually I understood the reasons why signing Griffey wasn’t necessarily a good thing, but emotionally I’ve been wanting it to happen for a long time now. Many of my favorite sports memories are of watching Junior play in the Kingdome and I had to choke back the tears a couple of times when he returned to Safeco with the Reds. I don’t care that he’s not the player he was, I just want to see him in a Mariners uniform again before he retires.
This is a good day.
Sorrento is on third and Wilson just took a HBP… Clemens now facing Lee Tinsley… damn I missed Junior.
Much more than I have ever wanted to admit, even to myself, I have missed Seattle’s sports icon.
My wife is sleeping in my lap, I’m watching an old M’s game from 1997 (@ Toronto, Junior with three dingers), typing here, watching the Griffey “welcome” at the Safe last year, reading articles and op/eds… and I’m actually tearing up a little bit.
It’s not like he’s “The Natural” from ten years ago, gracing the cover of SI, and I know this much. But, this is a man that belonged to this city as much as the city belonged to him. This is not a +wins move. Griffey likely won’t be a 30-HR threat. But… just imagine if he has the kind of season Frank Thomas threw up a couple seasons ago.
Welcome back, J-R… this city has missed you, and this game has needed you in Seattle.
Can you imagine if we win the World Series this year? Felix wins a Cy Young. Bedard is healthy. Junior pulls a Frank Thomas. I can dream, right?
Can you just imagine if Griffey goes yard on opening day? [Safeco] could be in danger of being torn apart!
I just watched the [video] on the [Mariners'] web site. Good God he was a monster. It’s been so long, but [holy] cow. Monster.
I am happy that Junior will be the first Legit DH the Mariners have had since Edgar.
The Mariners will probably make back their money on Junior’s contract just by the sale of his jerseys alone. You know they’re going to fly out the door.
My job is forcing me to move from Seattle to Dallas at the end of the month and I know I’ll be showing up at Rangers Stadium wearing #24 when the M’s are in town.
Well, yeah…..except there’s nobody ready to BE a DH–they’re either here already or two to three years away. And the ones here already are entangled in positions other than DH.
Minor acquisition for a minor need that will still be helpful. Since he’s not blocking anyone, it’s still an acceptable baseball decision.
Three quick reasons:
1) He’s going to be taking ABs away from more worthy teammates
2) He’s the same ‘team leader’ who bitched to the media, ‘where’s my pitching?’ before ditching us before; you know the pitching staff had to admire him for that
3) In a clubhouse which reportedly cares a lot about ‘playing the game right’, teammates will now be witness to the guy who grabbed his crotch to show up Sparky Anderson after hitting a home run (because Anderson had the gall to intentionally walk him in the previous at bat), and after homer #607, gave the ’slit the throat’ gesture up to his own team’s color announcer for having the indecency to point out the obvious–that Griffey and Dunn were bad corner outfielders.
You know he’s going to love this site.
I don’t know if the Mariners winning the World Series could ever measure up to Griffey going yard on opening day. Especially first at bat.
PS… Where WAS his piching. They stank, seriously.
Woops, I take back that last pitching comment… Frankie Rodriguez just gave me a black eye.
For those of you wrestling with the merits of the signing versus sentimental attachment, consider this:
Last Year, Jose Vidro was worth -1.3 wins for $8.5MM
I think I maybe in a position to explain this to you guys.
I grew up a Giants fan, and McCovey’s home coming at the end of his career, after only being gone 3 years was so right and so sweet for the Giants. He had a somewhat of a revival his first year back in an overachieving young club, and faded after that, but it was where he belonged. Especially after Mays ended his career with the Mets. We knew that was wrong.
I was ready to write a “thanks for rear-ending the fans in Seattle one last time” post–but it seems like our luck really is beginning to change. Hopefully this is at the very least, yet another sign that the future of Seattle baseball is promising (Go Z!). He is not the Jr. of old–but he is the face of the franchise, and it will be nice to see him help restore some pride in the Mariner franchise (especially with some of the younger players). From that standpoint, Jr. will be a nice addition to the team this year.
Welcome back.
gwangung: Nobody’s ready to DH? LOL! You’re really going to try to argue that?
diderot: If he pulls that stuff and isn’t pushed down, then we’ll know there is no hope for the M’s under current ownership.
The Dreeze: You just showed the problem with Seattle baseball fans and the Mariners in one post.
Last season, for the first time since ‘77, I did not attend an M’s game. This year I can’t wait to come down from Canada and bring my 3 yr old and 5 yr old to the park so they can say they saw Ichiro, Felix, and the Kid.
Soooo, when do we cue up the Carmina Burana theme?
Two thoughts: If this is truly his last year and he can stay healthy, why not have him play CF for 1 inning his last game at Safeco (like Dan Wilson at catcher). They crowd would go wild. If its not and he hits say .280, 25 hrs and 80-100 rbi’s, would he be worth bringing back.
Sounds like promotions time to me!
The one problem is now Opening Day tickets will sell out.
Like who? Bryan LaHair? Is there an abundance of LH power on the team that I’m missing? Clement might lose some ABs as a DH but hopefully he’s ready to be our starting catcher this year.
The circumstances are right for Junior this year. He’s relatively cheap and the M’s have a lack of LH power and no obvious DH.
Like the rest of us on here I am happy beyond belief now that Jr. is back were he belongs. I just hope that he doesn’t end up like Mays did for the ‘73 Mets.
After all the sadness during the past 18 months in the Seattle sports scene at least for the next few weeks we can all party like its 1995
Buddy of mine at work and I just agreed… if they sign him we blow off work and go to one of the opening home stand games.
He hasn’t been to a game in 10 years. I used to go to 5 or 6 a year but never more than 2 in these last couple of depressing years.
I plan on getting a 10 game pack now… and he will probably go to at least 5.
I think there are probably 10’s of thousands of similar people having that same conversation today.
Like who? Balentien? Clement? Some other uberprospect who is overmatched at the MLB level?
He was right. He and Nelly begged for pitching. No doubt they took their gripes public when their begging fell on deaf ears.
And this has to do with the clubhouse…How?
You can’t rain on our parade. It is a good, happy day to be a Mariner fan. Finally, after so many miserable seasons and mistakes, I have found some joy in this team.
Um, yeah.
Your turn. You made the claim. Y’all better support it….
Merchandising!
Griffey the breakfast cereal! Griffey the flamethrower!
FWIW, from the Mariner’s press release
gwangung: Uh, hello? I made the claim? Try again. Look at Griffey’s numbers against what the M’s could put at DH. Sorry, but you made a claim, and you’ve shown no evidence. Turning it around, doesn’t wash.
Looks like Zduriencik has been assimilated. That’s not good news.
[no]